The District of North Vancouver council will vote on September 29 on whether to uphold staff’s decision to deny a business license for a pediatric occupational therapy clinic at 205-1801 Welch Street.
Staff recommends that the council reject the application submitted by Matthew So on behalf of Play to Thrive Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Chief Bylaw Officer Carol Walker said the proposed use does not comply with the site’s zoning. The clinic, described as a private pediatric occupational therapy practice for children ages 3 to 18 with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD, applied for a license on April 30.
Staff reviewed the application in June and advised the applicant by phone and letter that the use was not permitted under the zoning bylaw.
The zoning at 1801 Welch Street permits light industrial uses on the main floor and limited office use on the upper floor. It specifically excludes health service purposes, which are defined as outpatient services such as medical and dental offices, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and counseling clinics.
The property was rezoned from Light Industrial (I3) to CD13 in 1997 to allow limited office use on the second floor of an industrial building. The intent was to expand uses for underused space but not to allow services more suited to commercial settings, transit-oriented areas, or businesses requiring a separate entrance.
In her report, Walker wrote: “Operating an occupational therapy clinic at this location is not a permitted use and the application for a business license was therefore denied.” She added that the Municipal Solicitor has reviewed and supports the recommendation.
